Charli XCX addresses Taylor Swift feud rumours, clarifies lyrics from new album

Charli XCX has dispelled rumours of a feud with Taylor Swift, which arose from interpretations of her song “Sympathy is a Knife.” In a recent cover story for New York Magazine, Charli XCX stated, “People are gonna think what they want to think.” She explained that the song reflects her own experiences with anxiety and self-doubt, rather than targeting anyone else. “That song is about me and my feelings and my anxiety and the way my brain creates narratives and stories in my head when I feel insecure,” she added.

The speculation began after Charli’s tour with Swift during the latter’s Reputation stadium tour in 2018. Charli previously remarked to Pitchfork that performing on that tour felt like “waving to 5-year-olds,” though she later apologised for the comment.

Despite her earlier attempts to clarify, including a “brat psa” on TikTok stating there were no diss tracks on her album Brat, fans have continued to analyse lyrics from the album. Lines such as “I couldn’t even be her if I tried” and “Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show” have been interpreted by some as references to Swift and her past relationship with Matty Healy, as well as Charli’s fiancé, George Daniel.

Swift expressed admiration for Charli’s work in the same magazine, praising her “melodic sensibilities” and “surreal and inventive” songwriting. Earlier this year, Charli defended Swift against fan hate during her São Paulo concert, urging fans to cease any negative comments.

When asked about the controversial lyrics, Charli stated, “You do the silence game... But I don’t care about it being awkward. We’ll sit in silence.”